So sitting in a class, the teacher asked us to find something
red in the classroom and then close our eyes. We did so, and while our
eyes were closed, she asked us to think of something yellow in the
classroom... Most of us couldn't think of anything yellow... as we
opened our eyes, she explained how when we become so focused on the red,
we couldn't think of the yellow, but does that mean that the yellow
doesn't exist? NO! It's still there in the room, even if we can't see
it or remember it. Then she related that to how red is like the
negative things in our lives and yellow is like the good things... We
will see or remember what we focus on.
God's command to Be Grateful
That reminds me of the scripture: "Giving thanks always for all things
unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ"
(Eph.5:20,Bible KJV). God has further said many times in scripture our
need to recognize HIM in our lives. On one occasion, He said, "And in
nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save
those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his
commandments" (D&C 59:21).
Thomas S. Monson explained: "We can lift ourselves,
and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative
thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If
ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes
place among the noblest of virtues."
For our Happiness and Good
So God has said, "...men are that they might have joy" (2 Ne. 2:25, Book of Mormon). God wants us
to be happy, and knows that being grateful is a major way that we can
do this. Dieter F. Uchtdorf explains the blessings of Heaven as we are
grateful no matter what circumstances we may find ourselves in, knowing
that with God's help, things will get better: "When we are grateful to
God, in our circumstances, we can experience gentle peace in the
midst of tribulation. In grief, we can still lift up our hearts in
praise. In pain, we can glory in Christ's Atonement. In the cold of
bitter sorrow, we can experience the closeness and warmth of heaven's
embrace."
After all, Christ has said, "I will not leave
you comfortless: I will come to you" (John 14:18, Bible KJV). He will
and HE DOES. I have felt it most often as I choose to focus on
the good that God has already given, even when times are hard. As I see
it, God sends more, and I recognize His help in my life. After all,
just like the yellow, he is always always there but sometimes we just
don't notice it...
If we would simple notice and acknowledge it, God
has promised that those "who [receive] all things with thankfulness
shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be
added unto [them], even an hundred fold, yea, more" (D&C 78:19). I
know that this is true and will happen to all who obey God's command to
be grateful in all things, because I've experienced it every time I choose to be grateful in all things.
That reminds me of Elder Marvin J. Ashton's talk, "Come in Without Knocking … and Leave the Same Way". He talks about how people generally find what they are looking for in experiences in life. He also talked about how we need to look for the good in trials, and in other people. I know that when I practice these teachings in my life, I am always happier. Thanks for this post! :)
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